SHADOW communities minister Caroline Flint paid a visit to Ealing today to witness the effects of the riot for herself.

She joined council leader Julian Bell on a walk around Haven Green and West Ealing on Tuesday (16).

She listened to the experiences of traders and Mr Bell's offers of help to those whose livelihoods had been harmed by the destruction.

They were joined by borough commander Andy Rowell, Ealing North MP Steve Pound, Ealing cabinet member for community safety councillor Ranjit Dheer, as well as councillor Brian Reeves, the borough Labour party's chief Whip.

The group also visited the shrine to Richard Mannington Bowes, who was killed in Spring Bridge Road in the chaos last Monday (8) night.

Ms Flint said: "I used to live in West London and I wanted to come and see what had happened here for myself.

"This is why Labour and Ed Milliband have been calling for an inquiry and I'm glad the government has come around to this point of view.

"Clearly we need to find the answers to find out how we can stop this happening again."

She said she was glad to hear that something positive had come out of it, after hearing how those affected had received support from the community.

And added: "Out of such a terrible situation a lot of people have come together to help Ealing recover and that has been really good to witness.

"I've also been hearing from police about how CCTV has been really important in helping them. And I think any question the government has of not recognising the value of it, of wanting it cut back, I think will be met by a lot of people saying 'not in our patch'."

After the tour Mr Pound added: "One shaft of sunlight on what was a miserable and gloomy day was to see Colin from Tesco on Haven Green putting up a sign saying 'business as usual'. That's the message that comes out from Ealing today."